Hello

I’m Cristina Istrate, a UI/UX and Business Analyst and creative strategist specializing in enterprise platforms, ServiceNow workflows, and healthcare and financial systems. I partner with organizations to translate complex business challenges into scalable, data-driven digital experiences that improve operational efficiency, user adoption, and measurable business outcomes.

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My career began in an unconventional way — in filmmaking, working on military film productions and collaborating alongside industry leaders such as Robert Redford. That early experience taught me how to tell compelling stories, understand human behavior, and work within highly structured, high-stakes environments. I later attended the University of British Columbia, where I deepened my interest in systems, storytelling, and human-centered problem solving.

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Driven by a desire to apply creativity to real-world business problems, I went on to study Business and Project Management at Seneca Polytechnic College, which marked my transition into technology, analytics, and enterprise systems.

 

Since then, I’ve partnered with leading organizations including Pearson, Citi, Trellance, AOT Technologies, L Brands and Prodware Solutions, designing accessible dashboards, portals, and digital platforms that simplify complex workflows, support regulatory compliance, and drive digital transformation. My work blends business analysis, user research, and scalable design systems to ensure solutions are not only visually engaging, but strategically aligned with organizational goals.

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To continuously strengthen my technical and analytical foundation, I’ve completed certifications including AWS Technical Accreditation, IBM Design Thinking, Citi certifications in Data and Cybersecurity, and a UI/UX specialization from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). These experiences allow me to operate at the intersection of design, data, and enterprise technology.

 

At the core of my work is empathy — paired with analytics. I believe the most effective digital products are built through deep understanding of people, informed by data, and guided by clear business strategy.

 

Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler and hiker with my Australian Blue Heeler, Leda, who has been my sidekick on adventures around the world. Just as exploring new landscapes helps me see patterns and possibilities differently, I bring that same curiosity, resilience, and systems thinking into my professional practice — always striving to create experiences that inspire trust, deliver value, and scale with impact.